Fun and games for Children in Need

Children doing a two-mile swim at Ruthin Leisure Centre for Children in Need

By Nick Bourne

Local groups are taking part in lots of different and frankly bizarre events to raise money for Children in Need 2009.

Among them, members of Rhyl Rugby Club are doing a striptease, people with phobias are trying to get cured in Holywell and children in Ruthin are planning a two mile swim.

Denbighshire Council swim coach Ros Firth, who has been teaching children with disabilities for six years, got in touch to tell us about them swimming a combined distance of two miles at Ruthin Leisure Centre.

How money is spent locally

"The children have so much enthusiasm to help Children in Need. Also, doing this sponsored swim gives them a target to aim for," said Ros.

"I am so proud of them and the way they try and achieve their best every week, always with a big smile."

The children taking part include John, 15; Morgan, 12; Will and Owen, both 10; Joe, eight; Christopher, seven; Isabelle and Will, both five.

They started the challenge on 6 October and plan to continue until 19 November when they hope to reach their target.

"This is amazing. For some of them to achieve 25 metres is an achievement in itself," said Ros.

Lots of people are holding their own events, and they've been telling Children in Need which can help publicise the activities.

St Asaph Choral Society is hosting a workshop and 'scratch performance' of Handel's work at St Peters Church, Ruthin.

Children and staff at The Grange Day Nursery, Llay, near Wrexham, are holding a pyjama party.

Pupils at Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan, Abergele, are making and selling cakes and holding competitions.

Therapist Paul Kay is organising a group phobia removal event for animal phobics at Holywell Library (21 November) .

Jane Ryan, a police officer based at Buckley Police Station, and colleague are going to patrol their patches wearing police uniforms from 1980, and using a vintage police vehicle. Flintshire Neighbourhood Watch, police cadets and police support officers are also taking part.

And six men from Rhyl & District Rugby Club are baring all, dancing to music from the British film, The Full Monty.